Why I’m Carrageenan Girl for Halloween

This year I’m dressed up as the food additive, carrageenan, for Halloween. This unusual (and extremely nerdy food scientist) decision is my response to the rampant use of fear in food marketing and reformulations.

Excerpt:

“Like rumors in high school, ingredient stigmas make me wonder, how did this claim get started? Is it personal or just a misunderstanding? How did this rumor spread so fast? Is there a grain of truth behind it, and how can the subject of the rumor possibly clarify or dispel the rumor?”

Excerpt: “I’m tired of being told to be afraid of chemicals…

This week alone, I have been told by a fast-casual burrito company to be afraid of Silicon Dioxide; I’ve been told by a face wash company not to put “chemicals” on my face (unless those “chemicals” are vitamins, natural sugars, and/or plant extracts); and I’ve had to ask my former-favorite juice company in the world to PLEASE use some alternative sweeteners instead of my whole day’s allowance of sugar in one bottle.”

“Fear can be a powerful motivator. If you were afraid your poor health would prevent you from walking your daughter down the aisle, you’d probably be more motivated to eat healthy and workout. Sometimes fear seems like the only way to get a message through to your teenager, but as most parents can testify, fear doesn’t always work. When fear is used to motivate diet decisions there are three major outcomes to consider.”